Exciting kit

3D printers

How about a machine that builds – layer by layer – three-dimensional objects from plastics, metals, nylon, recycled paper, ceramics, chocolate and even living tissue? The technology has been around since the early 1980s, but has until now typically been used by industry and design for prototyping. Recent developments have now made small, consumer-friendly 3D printers accessible for around $2,000.

The Makerbot Thingomatic, for example, works with spools of plastic that move through an extruder that melts it. Guided by a digital computer-aided design (CAD) file, the Makerbot deposits the material in layers that instantly solidify. You can design your own objects, or download (and upload) designs from such online sites as Thingiverse.com.

Why would you want one? You can produce parts to replace broken household items, tools, jewellery, toys and more. Schools use them in teaching engineering, design and technology. But you don’t have to own your own to experiment – you can join a local hackerspace to access one, and services like Shapeways.com allow customers to order objects in a choice of materials.

Arduino micro-controllers

Arduino micro-controllers are simple, single-board computers that allow anyone – hobbyists, artists, designers – to build programme-responsive electronic objects: anything from doorbells through water tank depth sensors to gadgets for gamers. There’s even a device that tweets when your houseplant needs watering! Invented by an Italian electronics firm, the Arduino costs about $30 preassembled, and the programming software is free, but the purist DIYer can build their own micro-controller using downloadable CAD files, available with an open-source licence.

Healthy people in a healthy environment

Good health and well-being require a clean and harmonious environment where physical, psycho - logical, social and aesthetic factors are all given their due importance. These factors are affected by actions and choices which can secure considerable health benefits. The environment is thus not only important for its own sake, but as a resource for better living conditions and well-being.

What we’ve agreed: the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Millennium Development Goals

Green savings

What young people want

Water – the key to life

The air we breathe

Safer, quieter towns and cities of the future – reclaiming the streets